The inaugural session of the City Council took place yesterday.
We witnessed the traditional verbal sparring between Christian Estrosi and Philippe Vardon, who were visibly happy to reconnect and exchange in person once again.
The agenda was very busy, consisting of numerous deliberations, with a united majority despite the week’s political upheavals and the ensuing controversies.
The “ecological transition” and the extension of the Promenade du Paillon
The ecological transition of the city was at the heart of the debate that opened the day.
The file on the extension of the Promenade du Paillon, which sparked heated debates, was a particularly anticipated topic. Nevertheless, it was adopted, even though opponents to the majority party were against this project.
Christian Estrosi claims to want to make Nice a model in terms of ecology, but the ecologists present (including Jean-Marc Governatori) consider him the “promoter of polluting ecology” and that it is “a facade ecology, expensive and disposable.”
Intervention of the Ecologist Party
The Greens demonstrated their vision and provided arguments to counter Mr. Estrosi.
Nice is the 42nd most polluting city in the world in terms of air quality. Improvement needed.
Regarding the forum on ecological transition, it would be nothing more than “greenwashing,” with representatives from polluting companies.
When it came to discussing the extension of the green corridor (or concrete corridor for EELV), the entire opposition truly united to slam the table. It was the event of the day.
Indeed, these upcoming works require the destruction of several cultural buildings, as highlighted by the Greens.
The destruction of the National Theater of Nice will lead to 3 to 4 years of costly construction.
Furthermore, the municipality wants to build “a disposable theater for 6 million euros.”
The ecologists raised concerns about the concreting of the Var plain.
The Corsica tax is considered among other things as “punitive ecology,” no more, no less, by an ecologist municipal councilor. One ferry equals 20 planes. Yachts and cruise ships, however, are not taxed, which obviously bothers the Greens.
An ecologist municipal councilor ironically offered a pot of green paint to the council president, “more effective and less costly than greenwashing,” according to her. It was the amusing animation that lightened the atmosphere of the morning, but it did not amuse Mr. Estrosi. He replied that she should repaint her office with it.
Intervention of the RN
The Rassemblement National, the other party representing the opposition, also expressed itself on the destruction of cultural heritage, for extending the Promenade du Paillon. It allied with the Ecologists and shares their opinion.
The “public consultation” organized by the mayor’s office on the subject engaged only 451 participants, of whom 226 locals expressed a positive view, and 39 participated in the videoconference meeting, according to figures reported orally by Philippe Vardon.
While expressing his disagreement, he was notably called a “thug” and a “bad student” by Christian Estrosi.
The petition against the destruction, initiated by Patrick Allemand, has gathered 1795 signatures (1806 at the time of writing this article).
The RN representatives request a referendum to know “the true opinion of the people of Nice.”
They also submitted a motion at the end of the session, which they shared with us the day before, during their press conference. They request the exemption from the tax concerning the Nice-Corsica ferries for the inhabitants of our department and the Island of Beauty. They wish to maintain maritime connections.
This proposal has been put on hold, pending a forthcoming meeting planned by Mr. Estrosi.
Response from the Mayor of Nice
Christian Estrosi defended himself firmly by mentioning “an expert report,” which according to him, justifies these colossal works.
He believes that the people of Nice were already consulted during the municipal elections, despite the abstention rate of those elections. He later confided that he expects to be re-elected several more times.
He expressed doubts regarding “the authenticity of this petition”. Therefore, he does not consider it. Patrick Allemand, no longer a municipal councilor, was not present to respond to him.
Hoteliers are said to have welcomed the destruction project. This information should be verified.
Regarding ecology, the mayor claims that pollution has decreased. He asserts wanting to make the port “an actual neighborhood and an ecological showcase.” He believes that car traffic is too heavy at the port.
The strong ties that exist between Nice and the Island of Beauty were brought back to the table. He does not deny them; on the contrary, he is aware of them. However, he wishes for the end of the current ferries. For him, this does not mean the end of maritime connections.
